Webster defines "compassion" as, "Sorrow for the sufferings or troubles of another . . . with the urge to help." Brittany Palaian, RN puts a personal touch to this definition.
When our mother, a stroke patient, was brought to her room on 6 South (Neuroscience) Brittany seemed to take an immediate, personal interest in her care. While she monitored, she was also willing to advise us on how to help ease mother's suffering. She also was on watch - she had us called so we could return to St. Joseph's early in the morning as mother was failing - she knew we wanted to be there. Brittany kept watch as mother was going through her final stages, she wanted mother to be as comfortable as possible. We will long remember how Brittany swabbed mother's lips and mouth to help make her more comfortable even though mother was not aware.
It was apparent that she was in sync with the palliative care team. Along this journey, Brittany was advising us on what was happening and answering our questions (which she encouraged); she was honest in a gentle way that helped us adjust to what was happening.
When mother's passing was imminent, Brittany was there to be with mother and us. She comforted mother - our mother was an RN - one RN to another. She also ensured we had the privacy to be with mother. It was the way mother wanted to pass, gently among caring people. On our leaving, Brittany hugged us both - she shared in our loss.
We thank Brittany for her compassion and the caring for which she will be long appreciated.